Dom Perignon is “the” French champagne, produced using classic technology. Its excellent blend has conquered the whole world. And if you want to taste not just sparkling wine, but real champagne, you should try Dom Perignon. However, this drink is not only of high quality, but also has a high price tag. In a word, it is a luxury.
A brief history of the Dom Perignon brand
Dom Perignon was immediately conceived as an elite champagne. The idea of creating this drink belonged to the Englishman Laurence Venn. The first batch of sparkling wine was released in 1936. Grapes from the 1921 harvest were used for production. The drink immediately conquered the world. However, only the upper classes could try it. Champagne was very expensive. Even now, a bottle of French sparkling wine is not affordable for everyone.
Even after almost a hundred years, Dom Perignon from the brand’s first batch can be found in several private collections of vintage wines. Owning such a treasure is a real source of pride for gourmets and connoisseurs of French wine.
Legend has it that champagne was named after Pierre Perignon, a monk of the Order of St. Benedict. It is believed that he “invented” a special technology for French sparkling wine, whereby the drink is aged in bottles rather than in production tanks. Pierre Perignon is also credited with developing the narrow glasses from which champagne is traditionally drunk to better reveal its taste and aroma.
Currently, the Dom Perignon trademark belongs to Moët & Chandon, a large company specializing in the production of exclusive alcoholic beverages.
Types of Dom Perignon champagne
Dom Perignon is an exclusively vintage sparkling wine. It is made from grapes harvested in a specific year when the quality of the berries meets strict requirements. Accordingly, only limited quantities of the product are available for sale. Since production began, just over 40 harvests have been deemed suitable for champagne production. This is why these French sparkling wines can be called unique.
Dom Perignon champagne is available in several varieties: rosé and white brut. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are used, harvested in a strictly defined area of France. The blend has its own characteristics, depending on the specific year of harvest. But the aroma of the drink invariably delights with almonds, apricots, and freshly baked buns. Despite the absence of sugar in its composition, the drink has a particularly mild taste. It plays with a wide variety of nuances, depending on the year of production.
This is the most popular variety of French champagne, a classic brut with nothing superfluous. The aroma is a complex ensemble of freshly cut hay, licorice, and juicy fruits. The taste is sweet creamy cream, mandarin peel, and roasted almonds. An amazing blend.
Dom Perignon Vintage is available in different vintages. Mostly, these are collections older than 2000. Vintage drinks released in the 80s and 90s of the 20th century are much more expensive.
Dom Perignon Rose Vintage
This is an exquisite pink brut. The taste is reminiscent of raspberries with hints of ginger, red currants, and orange zest. The aroma is rich with apricots and fresh baguette. Rose Vintage is usually drunk as an aperitif. Sparkling wine is a perfect accompaniment to any berry dessert, poultry, and fish.
Wine boutiques offer Dom Perignon Rose Vintage 2003, 2004, and 2006. There are also earlier sparkling wines released before the 2000s.
Dom Perignon P2
This is a dry white champagne with a silky texture and a soft blend. The taste reveals notes of licorice and bread crust with a slight sourness on the finish. The aroma has apricots and bergamot with light smoky nuances. Dom Perignon P2 goes well with grilled vegetables, toast with caviar, and seafood.
The champagne is mainly represented by vintages from the 2000s.
Dom Perignon Luminous
This is a dry white champagne with a pleasant light golden hue. It has a pleasant, long-lasting aftertaste with hints of orange zest. The aroma has notes of white flowers, apricots, and pears. The drink pairs perfectly with hard cheeses, seafood, red caviar, and fruit.
Dom Perignon Luminous champagne is represented by vintages from 2000, 2003, and 2004. There are also vintage collections.
Occasionally, the brand releases exclusive champagne lines, for example, to mark significant dates. These are more like collector’s items. Renowned designers work on the bottle design.